Localized liquid therapy and thermotherapy device

ABSTRACT

A device for directly applying thermotherapeutic liquid to an area upon the surface of an afflicted patient, and methods of use thereof, are described. In particular a device for applying water-based liquid at a therapeutic temperature directly to an afflicted area in order to create a localized hyperthermia, is presented. The afflicted area may be either on the skin of the patient, or subcutaneous. The device is also effective for disinfection, irrigation, lavage, and the like, when employing a suitable solution. The liquid may also have a mild oxidizing effect, which, if greater upon afflicted than upon non-afflicted cells, would enhance the therapeutic effect in conjunction with the therapy herein described.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/590,333, filed Jun. 8, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,982. By thisreference, the full disclosure of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/590,333is incorporated herein as though fully set forth in their respectiveentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to devices for applying localizedliquid therapy and/or thermotherapy to an afflicted area of a patient.More particularly, this invention relates to a device, and method of usethereof, which directly applies a liquid, most usually a water basedliquid to a selected area to create the desired therapeutic effect, mostusually a localized hyperthermia, which is effective in treatinglocalized afflictions, such as moles, lesions, tumors, malignancies,both surface and subcutaneous, and the like, or a therapeutic lavage orirrigation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heat and cold have both been used to effectively treat afflictedpatients. Directly applying liquid to afflicted cells is also wellknown. Cold has often been used as a localized treatment, while heat hasbeen, and is currently used as both a localized and total bodytreatment. Using heat to treat a localized afflicted area of anafflicted patient is most relevant to the present invention.

The search continues for ways to effectively treat wounds, tumors andsimilar disorders while minimizing adverse collateral effects. Forexample, assignee has been a leader in treating open wounds through aprocess known as Vacuum Assisted Closure™, (“V.A.C.®”). In a similarvein, localized thermotherapy, primarily localized hyperthermia, hasalso shown promise as a treatment modality which is capable of producingbeneficial therapeutic effects without significant adverse collateraleffects for certain conditions. However, the localized hyperthermictreatment modalities in the prior art, all suffer from seriousdrawbacks, limitations, or side effects.

Research has demonstrated that heating cancerous, or other abnormalcells to over about 42° Celsius (“C.”) can kill the abnormal cells,while causing little damage to the surrounding normal cells. Thistreatment is temperature sensitive. Heating the cancer cells, forexample, to a temperature between nominal body temperature, 37° C. andapproximately 41° C. or greater can seriously damage them. To maximizepatient safety, this hyperthermia treatment must be localized.

The variety of available heat transfer methods for localizedthermotherapy is limited. Heat is transferred in three ways, radiation,convection, or conduction. The heat transfer medium creating thelocalized hyperthermia can be either heated in situ or be heatedexogenously, before being placed upon the patient. The medium can eitherbe placed in direct contact with the afflicted cells or, transfer heatto the afflicted cells through an intermediary.

Localized hyperthermia therapy is presently used in treating prostateafflictions, breast cancer, and other afflictions. This modalityinvolves placing implants about the afflicted patient's afflicted cells,and then heating the implants by radiating EMF or ultrasonic energythereto. The heat from the implants then migrates into the afflictedtissue, via conduction, thereby raising the temperature of the afflictedcells. Several issued patents demonstrate variations of this technique.Issues relating to possible adverse affects of exposure to bothradiation, and radiated energy abound. However, as most sufferers ofprostate cancer are older men who are past the age of fatheringchildren, and female breasts are relatively remote from the femalereproductive organs, the possible long-term adverse collateral effectsof using such radiant energy treatments are minimized.

Applicant has discovered various patents that employ and exemplify otherenergy transfer methods and media in creating localized hyperthermias.The first of these patents, Guibert, U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,008, issuedJun. 17, 1986, may be summarized as follows:

“ . . . air heated to a temperature well above normal body temperatureis projected as a high velocity stream in a pulsatory wave patterntoward a localized skin area overlying a problem region, therebysubjecting this area to high-velocity heated air pulses separated bylower air temperature, relatively static intervals.

“The pulsatory wave pattern is created by apparatus, which operates in aperiodic interruption mode, in a cyclical stepping mode or in a cyclicalsweeping mode, depending on the nature of the instrument and itsintended applications.

“As a consequence of the pulsatory wave pattern, heat transfer takesplace through the body tissue toward the problem region during theintervals between the pulses, this inward transfer acting to reduce thetemperature at the skin surface to a degree preventing an undue risethereof. While during the pulse periods the temperature of the hot airat the skin surface is much higher than body temperature, the durationof each pulse is relatively short and insufficient to cause discomfortor injury to the patient.” Guibert Col. 2 line 61-Col. 3 line 15.

This description shows that Guibert uses a heated fluid to indirectlytransfer heat to an afflicted area of a patient; the fluid, air, doesnot come into contact with the afflicted area. Another device that alsouses a heated fluid to treat an afflicted portion of a patient's body isShantha, U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,965 issued Mar. 23, 1993. Shantha may besummarized as follows:

“ . . . the present invention comprises an apparatus for heating theinterior surfaces of a hollow organ or orifice, for example the interiorsurfaces of the reproductive tract of a female human being, for thetreatment of viral infections and cancers. For example, the invention isuseful for the treatment of Human Papilloma Virus, chlamydia,trichomonas vaginitis, vaginal yeast infections, gonococcus, rectal andanal infections, rectal and anal cancers, esophageal cancer, etc. Theapparatus comprises an insertion body having a flexible outer surfaceand is adapted for insertion into the hollow organ or orifice, such asthe female reproductive tract. The insertion body is adapted to contactand conform to the interior surfaces of the hollow organ. The apparatusalso includes means for heating the outer surface of the insertion bodyand for maintaining a selected temperature at the outer surface.

“Preferably, the insertion body comprises an inflatable outer membraneor balloon supported about a semi-rigid support member. The inflatableballoon is adapted to contain liquid under pressure and the apparatusincludes means for circulating liquid between the inflatable balloon andan external heating device. Sensor means are positioned along the outersurface of the inflatable balloon for determining the temperature of theouter surface of the balloon. Control means, responsive to thetemperature of the outer surface as determined by the sensor means, areprovided for controlling the external heating device so as to maintainthe temperature of the outer surface at the selected temperature.

“With this construction, the inflatable balloon can be inserted into thehollow organ in an uninflated state and subsequently inflated withliquid under pressure. The liquid is then circulated and heated in theexternal heating device. The liquid, preferably water, is maintained ata temperature of between 40° C. and 44° C. for between 2 and 6 hours.Preferably, the water is maintained at a temperature of 41.8° C.(roughly 107.2° F.), and the inflatable body is maintained in the holloworgan for four (4) hours kills many bacteria, viruses and cancer cells.The immune system of the patient normally is stimulated by the destroyedvirus cells, microbes, and cancer cells and attacks any infected orcancerous cells not destroyed by the heat. This temperature of 41.8degree C. is low enough that healthy tissues survives relativelyundamaged, owing to the lesser heat sensitivity of healthy cells ascompared with infected and cancerous cells. The localized nature of thetreatment, together with the relatively low temperature involved,ensures that the risk of death to the patient from an elevated bodytemperature is substantially zero. The rather low temperatures involvedalso protect the patient from much pain and discomfort duringtreatment.” Shantha Col. 2., line 36-Col. 3, line 22.

Various other heated liquid devices and methods of treating holloworgans or body orifices exist, and operate in the same basic manner.However, there is a need for a system and method for the creation of alocalized therapeutic hyperthermia by means of a heated liquid directlycontacting afflicted cells for a period of significant duration. Moreparticularly there is a need for a device, or method of treatment, whichinvolves, selecting a therapeutic liquid, heating the selected liquidthrough conduction so as to avoid EMF or ultrasonic radiation, placing atherapeutic applicator about the afflicted cells, and circulating theheated fluid through the therapeutic applicator, thereby creating alocalized hyperthermia in the afflicted cells within the circumferenceof the applicator. Furthermore it would be beneficial to provide the useof a localized hyperthermic modality in conjunction with Vacuum AssistedClosure™, (“V.A.C.®”) of open wounds. It is towards the fulfillment ofthese needs that the present invention is directed.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a novel device used to create a localizedtherapeutic effect on afflicted cells on an afflicted patient. Theseeffects include cleaning, disinfecting, cooling, heating, and methods ofuse thereof. The device embodying the present invention comprises atherapeutic liquid, liquid supply means, liquid energizing means,circulating means, and control means. The device may also be used inconjunction with V.A.C.® therapy. These elements interact, and areemployed, as briefly described below.

An appropriate therapeutic liquid is selected. Most often this liquidwill be water, or a liquid comprising at least 90% water on aweight/weight (“w/w %”) basis. Thermal energy is directly applied to, ortaken from, the liquid. Most commonly the liquid will be heated. Thisenergy transfer is regulated by the control means, which compares theactual liquid temperature with a selected reference temperature. Theheated or cooled liquid is then used to create a local therapeuticeffect. Control means also comprises system control means that monitorsand regulates the overall operation of the device.

The balance of this description presumes that the liquid is heatedrather than cooled. The liquid will either be recirculated if a closedloop embodiment is selected, or be used once and discarded if an openloop embodiment is selected. An afflicted area, such as a mole, skincancer, or the like, is located on the afflicted patient. The afflictedarea may be on the skin, or subcutaneous.

The circulation means comprises supply means, recovery means, andapplicator means. The applicator has an open bottom or bottom portionand is placed about the afflicted cells on the skin of the patient, andmost likely, some of the surrounding non-afflicted cells on the patent'sskin as well. Before commencing the application of the therapeuticliquid, a fluid tight seal must be established between the patient andthe application means; this seal must be maintained for at least theduration of the liquid application. The applicator may also comprise afluid tight V.A.C.® dressing. The liquid flows from the liquid supplymeans, into the supply conduit of the circulation means, into theapplicator means, and then into the return conduit. The liquid is theneither recirculated, or discarded.

Circulation means also likely comprises liquid pressurization means thatlikely comprise a pump; though a sealed pressurized embodiment is alsocontemplated. Alternatively, gravity flow, or the negative pressureassociated with V.A.C.®, roughly 150 mm Hg, in an open loop system couldbe considered. In a preferred embodiment, the pump is placed on thereturn side of the circulation means. This configuration has theadvantage of applying negative pressure to the application means therebycreating a self actuated negative pressure seal between the applicationmeans and the patient's skin for the duration of therapeutic liquidapplication. Alternatively a sealing mechanism could be used to maintainthe necessary seal between the application means and the afflictedpatient. Applying pressure to the liquid also creates a more rapidcirculation of the liquid to the epidermal region, which could havebeneficial therapeutic effects.

Accordingly an object of the present invention is to provide a devicethat employs an exogenously heated fluid to provide direct thermotherapyto an afflicted potion of a patient.

Another object of the present invention is to provide localized thermaltherapy where the perimeter of the afflicted portion of the patient iswithin the boundaries of the therapy applicator of the presentinvention.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel devicethat provides ravage to an afflicted patient.

Yet another object of the present invention is to combine thetherapeutic effects of the present invention with the positive effectsassociated with V.A.C.®.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of thepresent invention. These objects should be construed to be merelyillustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications ofthe invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applyingthe disclosed invention in a different manner or by modifying theinvention as will be described. Accordingly, other objects and a fullerunderstanding of the invention may be had by referring to the followingDetailed Description of the Invention, which includes the preferredembodiment

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the invention will now bedescribed with reference to the drawings of certain preferredembodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit theinvention, and wherein like reference numbers refer to like components,and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a closed loop negative pressureembodiment that operates in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an applicator fastener that operates inaccordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 3 is a perspective view of a V.A.C.® dressing that operates inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is block diagram illustrating a closed loop negative pressuresystem embodiment, utilizing a V.A.C.® dressing, that operates inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a closed loop positive pressuresystem embodiment that operates in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an open loop positive pressurelavage system embodiment that operates in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an open loop negative pressureV.A.C.® embodiment that operates in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a combined open loop negativepressure V.A.C.® and positive pressure pump system embodiment thatoperates in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize manyalternative embodiments, especially in light of the illustrationsprovided herein, this detailed description is exemplary of the preferredembodiment of the present invention as well as alternate embodiments,the scope of which is limited only by the claims that may be drawnhereto.

The details of the preferred embodiments of the present invention aregraphically and schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Like elements in the drawings are represented by like numbers, and anysimilar elements are represented by like numbers with a different lowercase letter suffix.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention, referred tothroughout by the general reference 10, are intended to treat anafflicted patient 11, and particularly an afflicted area of thepatient's skin 12, or the area immediately subcutaneous thereto, whichis surrounded by a healthy area 13 of patient 11. As shown in FIGS. 1-8,the preferred embodiments 10, comprise a liquid storage means 14, aliquid supply means 15 terminated by ends 27 and 29, a liquid returnmeans 16 terminated by ends 26, 36, 37, and 28, a liquid movement means17, a therapy site liquid applicator means 18, a liquid heating means19, a liquid temperature measuring means 20, and control means 21 whichoperatively coact in a manner more fully described below. Theembodiments 10 are capable of creating a localized therapeutichyerthermia, localized therapeutic hypothermia, lavage, irrigation,disinfection, or other therapeutic effects, either alone, or inconjunction with V.A.C.®.

Embodiment 10 may be used with a variety of liquids, in addition towater, and may provide either localized heating or localized cooling, inaddition to direct contact effects from the liquid such as disinfection,irrigation, lavage, and so forth. However, to promote ease ofunderstanding, the further description shall focus on the hyerthermiadelivering embodiment using a liquid which on a w/w % basis is at least90% water.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, liquid storage means 14, which mostcommonly comprises a reservoir, is operatively connected to both theliquid supply means 15, and to the liquid return means 16 so as to bothprovide liquid to liquid supply means 15 via outlet 22, and acceptliquid from means 16 via inlet 23, as is more fully described below.Depending upon task dependent design choices, liquid storage means 14may either be open, closed, or pressurized, so long as an adequatesupply of liquid covers end 27 of supply means 15 when the embodiment 10is in operation.

Control means 21 is connected to both liquid heating means 19 and liquidtemperature measuring means 20 and coacts therewith in a manner morefully described below. Measuring means 20 may be located as necessary,depending upon both the speed of liquid flow, and the degree oftemperature loss encountered. In a low speed flow embodiment, such as inFIG. 7, a location in proximity to end 29 may well be most desirable.Control means 21 receives temperature information from means 20 and,using this information, continuously regulates the power to heatingmeans 19 in order to achieve the desired liquid temperature in a mannerthat is, at least in general, well known to those of ordinary skill inthe art. Various control methods, including fuzzy logic, may be used toregulate the temperature of the liquid. The liquid temperature may becontrolled to within 0.5° C. and possibly to within 0.1° C.

The precision heated liquid is delivered to the afflicted area 12 ofpatient 11 via liquid supply means 15, therapy site liquid applicator18, liquid return means 16, and liquid movement means 17 all of whichcoact as described more fully below. Liquid movement means 17 generallycomprises a pump of adequate capacity, as is well known in the art.Although the exact connection configuration of means 17 depends upon theoverall system configuration of embodiment 10, in the presentlypreferred embodiment of embodiment 10, shown in FIG. 1, means 17 isoperatively connected to liquid return means 16 via inlet 24 of means 17and outlet 25 of means 17. This configuration supplies a negativepressure to applicator 18 because of the liquid it extracts therefrom.This negative pressure serves to hold applicator 18 in place aboutafflicted area 12 of afflicted patient 11 without the need for aseparate engagement means being attached thereto. An alternativeembodiment utilizing negative pressure is also shown in FIG. 7, wherethe V.A.C.® dressing adhesive covering 62, schematically represented inFIG. 3 coacts with dressing material 60 to perform the function ofapplicator 18, as is also shown in FIG. 8. The V.A.C.® embodiment wouldmost likely be employed where afflicted cells comprise an open wound,such as is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, where dressing material 60, coactswith dressing adhesive covering 62 to function as applicator 18 andcovers wound 64 and also allows vacuum generated underneath dressingadhesive covering 62 to drain wound 64.

Some applications may require avoiding applying negative pressure to theafflicted area 12, by applying positive pressure as shown in FIGS. 5 and6, thus alternate configurations could be used, such as shown in FIG. 2,where fastener 50 is depicted; plainly such fasteners are well known inthe art, and any such known suitable fastener could be employed. The useof separate engagement means, such as fastener 50, to hold applicator 18in place would avoid the need to apply negative pressure to afflictedarea 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 6, and 8, a variety of alternateconfigurations of liquid movement means 17 could be used includingconfigurations which would place means 17 at various positions alongeither liquid supply means 15, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, or liquidreturn means 16, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. In FIG. 7, negative pressurecollection container 66 is used in lieu of liquid movement means 17 tomove the fluid. As previously stated, the device in FIGS. 5 and 6 wouldrequire the use of fastener 50, whether the afflicted cells 12 were onthe skin, or subcutaneous thereto. One alternative configuration (notshown) could place liquid movement means 17 inside reservoir 14 in amanner that would connect outlet 25 of liquid movement means 17connected to end 27 of supply means 15. Alternatively, liquid movementmeans 17 could be placed inside reservoir 14 with inlet 24 of liquidmovement means 17 connected to end 28 of return means 16. Alternativeconfigurations, which would place liquid movement means 17 insideapplicator 18, could also be used. Fastener 50 would be required if apositive pressure embodiment is employed.

Returning now to the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 1, liquid supplymeans 15 comprises supply end 27, delivery end 29, and a body portionintermediate these two ends. Applicator 18 comprises top 30, open bottom31, outer surface 32, inner surface 33, liquid supply means receptor 34,and liquid return means receptor 35. Liquid return means compriserecovery end 26; pump intake end 36, pump output end 37, reservoir inletend 28, every part of itself between end 26 and end 36, and every partof itself between end 37 and end 28. Liquid supply means 15, applicator18, liquid return means 16, reservoir 14, and liquidmovement/pressurization means 17 interconnect and coact in the followingmanner.

Supply end 27 of liquid supply means 15 is placed in liquid tightoperative engagement with outlet 22 of reservoir 14. Delivery end 29 ofliquid supply means 15 is placed in fluid tight engagement withapplicator 18 via liquid supply means receptor 34 thereof. Applicator 18is arranged about afflicted area 12 so that the inner surface 33 of openbottom 31 surrounds area 12, and most likely area 13, in fluid tightengagement. Cavity 38 is defined by inner surface 33, afflicted area 12,and the portion of area 13 surrounded by open bottom 31, as describedabove.

In this configuration pump 17 is placed between end 36 of liquid returnline 16 and end 37 of liquid return line 16 in the following manner. End26 of liquid return line 16 is placed in fluid tight engagement withliquid return means receptor 35. Pump intake end 36 of liquid returnline 16 is placed in fluid tight engagement with pump intake 24. Anydesired filtration means (not shown) could also logically be placed inproximity thereto. Pump output end 37 of liquid return means 16 isplaced in fluid tight engagement with outlet 25 of pump 17. Reservoirinlet end 28 of liquid return means 16 is placed in fluid tightengagement with inlet 23 of reservoir 14.

The system control means regulate the overall operation of theembodiment 10, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.Actuation means, timing means, data collection means, data recordationmeans, alarm means, and emergency shutoff means (all not shown) are justa few of the possible functions which could comprise the functionscarried out by system control means. Existing data processing meansremote from the location of the embodiment 10 could well perform some ofthese functions.

The embodiment 10 would be used in the following manner. The embodimentis connected to a power source (not shown) in reasonable proximity tothe afflicted patient 11, convenient for attachment about afflicted area12. If necessary, the control means are activated. A selectedtemperature is entered into set point controller 21. If desired, aselected duration is entered into the optional timing means. Anytemperature or other alarm values are also entered into the systemcontrol means. Applicator 18 is placed about afflicted area 12.Embodiment 10 is activated. When the temperature of the liquid inreservoir 14 approximates the selected temperature set into controller21, pump 17 is enabled. Upon actuation, pump 17 first partiallyevacuates cavity 38, thereby creating a negative pressure differential.This negative pressure acts to hold applicator 18 in place aboutafflicted area 12. Heated liquid then exists reservoir 14 through outletend 27 of liquid supply means 15, and passes through supply conduitliquid supply means 15, enters applicator 18, comes into contact withafflicted area 12, transfers heat to afflicted area 12, and exitsapplicator 18 into liquid return means 16. This liquid passes throughthe pump 17 and is returned into reservoir 14 through inlet end 28 ofliquid return means 16, thereby completing the loop.

Certain advantages may accrue from moving the heated liquid rapidlythrough the embodiment. These advantages are believed to include bettertemperature control, a faster rate of heat transfer to the afflictedcells, a quicker attainment of thermal equilibrium, and a lowerrequirement for total system liquid. It is also anticipated that thisdevice and modality would also be effective in treating cellssubcutaneous the skin areas 12 and 13, placed within the open bottom 31of applicator 18.

Additionally, an open loop system, as shown in FIG. 6, where fluid comesinto contact with skin areas 12, 13, and is then either discarded, in amanner well known in the art, or is placed in storage for laterdisposal, in a manner well known in the art, could be used forirrigation therapy, lavage, or the like. As is apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art, this apparatus would well serve this purposeif an open loop system were to be used, and a positive, rather than anegative pressure pump is provided. In that case, an additionalmechanism to hold applicator 18 in place, fastener 50, would berequired, as the pump would be operatively connected with liquid supplymeans 15 rather than liquid return means 16. Fluid supply means wouldsupply either a limited quantity of fluid, such as from reservoir 14, oran unlimited source of fluid from a faucet or the like.

An additional embodiment would be to use a mild oxidizing agent as thefluid in this device. Such an agent, were it to have a greater affectupon afflicted cells, than non-afflicted cells, would provide anenhanced therapeutic effect in conjunction with the therapy hereindescribed. An example of such a solution would be 3% Hydrogen peroxide,U.S.P. Likely a more benign disinfecting solution would be used, such asare well known to those skilled in the art, for irrigation or othertreatment of wounds.

While the invention has been described herein with reference to certainpreferred embodiments, theses embodiments have been presented by way ofexample only, and not to limit the scope of the invention. Many othervariations are possible, which would be obvious to one skilled in theart. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be identified onlyin accordance with the claims that follow.

1. A device for applying therapeutic liquid to an afflicted area of asurface of an afflicted patient's body, comprising: a supply means forsupplying a therapeutic liquid; a return means for returning liquid; acontrol means for thermally regulating the therapeutic liquid; anegative pressure pump operatively coupled to said return means; anapplicator interposed between said supply means and said return means,said applicator being adapted to be secured about said afflicted area;wherein the applicator comprises a dressing material for placement onthe afflicted area and a dressing adhesive covering; and wherein thenegative pressure pump is fluidly connected to the supply means suchthat liquid is returned to the supply means after being drawn throughthe applicator.
 2. The device according to claim 1 further comprising areservoir for storing said therapeutic liquid.
 3. The device accordingto claim 1, wherein the liquid is heated prior to application to theafflicted area.
 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein heatedliquid induces a localized hyperthermia in the afflicted area afterapplication of the heated liquid to the afflicted area.
 5. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the liquid is cooled prior to applicationto the afflicted area.
 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein thecooled liquid induces a localized hypothermia in the afflicted areaafter application of the cooled liquid to the afflicted area.
 7. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein negative pressure generated by thenegative pressure pump underneath the dressing adhesive coveringfunctions to drain the afflicted-area, to secure the dressing materialagainst the afflicted area, and to provide negative pressure woundtherapy to the afflicted area.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theapplicator further comprises a porous pad.
 9. An apparatus for applyingtherapeutic liquid, the apparatus comprising: a reservoir; a controlleroperably connected to the reservoir to regulate a temperature of liquidstored in the reservoir; an applicator fluidly connected to thereservoir; a negative pressure pump fluidly connected to the applicatorto draw liquid from the reservoir through the applicator; wherein theapplicator further comprises a dressing and an adhesive covering; andwherein the negative pressure pump is fluidly connected to the reservoirsuch that liquid is returned to the reservoir after being drawn throughthe applicator.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising aliquid heater exposed to liquid and operably connected to thecontroller, wherein the controller is operable to regulate power to theliquid heater so that liquid is heated.
 11. The apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein: the applicator is adapted to be positioned about anafflicted area; and the heated liquid induces a localized hyperthermiain the afflicted area after application of the heated liquid to theafflicted area.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the applicatorfurther comprises a porous pad.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein:the applicator is adapted to be positioned about an afflicted area; andthe liquid is cooled prior to application to the afflicted area.
 14. Anapparatus for applying therapeutic liquid, the apparatus comprising: areservoir; an applicator; a supply line fluidly connected to thereservoir and the applicator; a negative pressure pump; a return linefluidly connected to the applicator and the negative pressure pump; aset-point controller operably coupled to the reservoir to regulate atemperature of therapeutic liquid stored in the reservoir; wherein thenegative pressure pump is operable to draw liquid from the reservoirthrough the applicator; wherein the applicator further comprises adressing and an adhesive covering; and wherein the negative pressurepump is fluidly connected to the reservoir such that liquid is returnedto the reservoir after being drawn through the applicator.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14, further comprising a liquid heater exposed toliquid and operably connected to the set-point controller, wherein theset-point controller is operable to regulate power to the liquid heaterso that liquid is heated.
 16. An apparatus for applying therapeuticliquid, the apparatus comprising: a reservoir; an applicator; a supplyline fluidly connected to the reservoir and the applicator; a negativepressure pump; a return line fluidly connected to the applicator and thenegative pressure pump; a set-point controller operably coupled to thereservoir to regulate a temperature of therapeutic liquid stored in thereservoir; wherein the negative pressure pump is operable to draw liquidfrom the reservoir through the applicator; wherein the applicatorcomprises a top surface, a wall surface, an open bottom, and a receptor;and wherein the supply line is coupled to the receptor.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the negative pressure pump is fluidlyconnected to the reservoir such that liquid is returned to the reservoirafter being drawn through the applicator.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16,further comprising a liquid heater exposed to liquid and operablyconnected to the set-point controller, wherein the set-point controlleris operable to regulate power to the liquid heater so that liquid isheated.
 19. A method of creating localized therapeutic hyperthermia, themethod comprising: applying heat to a liquid; placing an applicator overan afflicted area; applying a negative pressure to the applicator toprovide an engagement between the applicator and the afflicted area andto draw the liquid through the applicator; and recirculating the liquidthrough the applicator after the liquid has been drawn through theapplicator; and wherein the applicator includes a dressing and anadhesive covering.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:measuring a temperature of the liquid; and adjusting the heat applied tothe liquid to maintain the liquid at a therapeutically beneficialtemperature.